The chart star made a surprise appearance at a New York substance abuse clinic with her mother, Tina, where she cut the ribbon on the Beyonce Cosmetology Center.

It was set up at Brooklyn’s Phoenix House after the star spent time there researching her role in movie drama Cadillac Records. She was so moved by the experience that she donated her salary from the film to the centre.

The seven-month programme will help recovering addicts rebuild their lives and embark on careers in the cosmetics industry.

Beyonce, 28, and her mother have pledged to donate $100,000 annually.

She said at the launch: ‘I felt like they needed something that was geared towards women – something that would teach them skills that would give them hope even after the Phoenix House.’